Chemformation

The Weekly Newsletter of the MIT Chemistry Department

Volume 12, Number 25
Wednesday, August 14, 1996

Note, we are on a summer schedule and will not publish Chemformation weekly. Chemformation is published by the Office of the Department Chairman. Please convey items of interest (or mailing list changes) to Linda Earle, Room 18-393, Department of Chemistry, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, 617/253-4080; 617/258-7500 (fax) or email to lkn@mit.edu Back issues of Chemformation can be accessed via the Chemistry Department Website.

Visit the Chemistry Department Website at http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/www/

Special Seminar Hosted by Dartmouth College, Department of Chemistry and NIEHS Superfund Basic Research Program

A seminar at Dartmouth College, Hanover New Hampshire will be presented by Jonathan Wilker (Lippard Group) on Friday, August 16th at 2:30 in the afternoon in the 102 Burke Laboratory. The title of the lecture is "Modeling the DNA Methylphosphotriester Repair Site of E coli Ada. Why Zinc and Four Cysteines?" The contact number at Dartmouth is (603) 646-2501 for further information. Refreshments are provided at 2:15 p.m.

Update of Chemformation Mailing List

We are in the process of updating our mailing list! Please advise us if you do not wish to remain on the mailing list. Since Chemformation is available on the World Wide Web, you may not wish to continue receiving the printed version.

Photos Wanted for Chemistry Department Contest

The Department of Chemistry is sponsoring a photography contest and students, staff, and faculty are welcome to submit original photographs taken of any subject or place in the world. You must have taken the photo yourself and it can be either black/white or color. Winners will have their photo enlarged and framed (cost incurred by the Department) to adorn the walls of Chemistry Headquarters (18-390) for as long as you remain in the Department. Don't miss this great opportunity to share your art with us; the deadline for submissions is August 31, 1996. Please submit your entries to Linda Earle in Chemistry Headquarters.

MIT/Japan Program

The MIT/Japan Program sends students from all departments to conduct research and study in corporations, universities, and government institutions in Japan. You pick the lab, or use our contacts. The placement process and training will begin in the early fall semester for all 1997 internships, so for more information about this opportunity contact: Paul Berger at pmberger@mit.edu or give him a call at 2543-5210.

Positions

• The Hampton Group:in Southampton, New York Seeks two quality control chemists to join department. Requirements include: B.S. in Chemistry or related field; two years experience in industry; skills with HPLC, associated wet techniques and experience with Perkin Elmer instruments helpful. All interested persons should contact: Valerie Remkus, at the Hampton Group (516) 287-3330 or fax (516) 287-5610 or e-mail at hgroup@peconic.net
  
  
• Children's Hospital, Boston, MA: Hematology/Oncology Research Assistant/Technician. Looking for someone to study membrane skeleton proteins with emphasis on the targeted disruptions or replacement of specific membrane proteins in mice and the molecular pathogenesis of hemolytic anemia. Some previous laboratory experience preferred - may include summer or semester laboratory jobs in college. Looking for three-year commitment. Send inquiries to: Dr. Samuel Lux, Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital, Enders 761, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Phone is (617) 355-7904 and fax is (617) 355-7262.
  
  
• Henckek Corporation, R&D in Ambler, PA: Seeking a colloid/polymer physical chemist who will be involved in research in new specialty chemical products for diverse industries such as coatings, inks, textiles and adhesives. This position requires a Ph.D. in colloid and surface chemistry, polymer physical chemistry or a closely related discipline. Postdoctoral or industrial experience is desirable. The second position is for a synthetic organic/polymer chemist who will have the opportunity to establish an understanding of the fundamental chemistry necessary to support the conception of new specialty chemical products for diverse industries such as coatings, inks, textiles and adhesives. This position requires a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry or synthetic polymer chemistry. Postdoctoral or industrial experience is a plus. Please send your resume to: Ms. Elizabeth Gradel, Henkel Corporation, 300 Brookside Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002.
  
  
• DuPont Merck, Deepwater, New Jersey: Process Chemistry is looking for Ph.D/postdoctoral candidates and Masters levels to join the drug synthesis group of over one hundred researchers. Opportunities involve primarily, route design and discovery for the synthesis and eventual manufacture of the company's drug candidates. Interviews are immediate so please forward your resume and research summary to Dr. Rodney Parsons, Merck Chemical Process R&D, Chambers Works, Spot 610, (S1), Deepwater, New Jersey 08023-0999. Telephone is (609) 540-4865.
  
  
• MIT/Department of Biology: Cambridge, MA: Contact: Dr. Leonard Lerman, The position requires work in DNA chemistry, optics and instrumentation. Their research is directed toward efficient detection of mutations in human genes and rapid discrimination among related but differing DNA molecules. They will apply principles of the thermodynamics of the helix-coil transition to provide sensitive detection of sequence differences. Their approach is novel, not closely related to any existing methods. The project requires work in DNA chemistry, optics and instrumentation. Chemical problems concern means for covalent coupling of double-stranded DNA to glass (or silica) surfaces at one end of the molecule. Optical and instrumental efforts are concerned with sensitive. low-noise detection of fluorescence of small samples as a function of temperature. They will wish to extend the system to simultaneous scrutiny of many samples by laser scanning or CCD imaging. Computational work is needed for sample design according to thermodynamic theory and for data analysis. They will apply the system to examination of a gene essential for the production of human spermatozoa among a large number of infertile males; this part of the project is in collaboration with David Pager of the Whitehead Institute. The developmental is also expected to offer interesting possibilities in the study of DNA melting; its dependence on sequence, the relation to the ionic environment, and the effects of other ligands. Please call, visit or write to by mail: Professor Leonard Lerman, Biology Dept., Building #68, lerman@fang.mit.edu or call at extension 253-6658.
  
  
• Grinnel College, Grinnel Iowa: Assistant in the Science and Math Learning Center (SMLC), needed to work with the Director, faculty and students to establish the SMLC; supervises student tutors in biology, chemistry and physics; tutors and assists science students as they acclimate to college life; organizes meetings and workshops for peer tutors; and works with the New Science Committee and science faculty to improve science teaching and learning. Requires a B.A. or B.S. with an emphasis in biology, chemistry or physics; excellent written and oral communication skills; and a commitment to extending educational opportunities to student groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Submit a letter of application, a resume, and a list of three employment references to: Ms. Jan A. Veach, Office of Human Resources, Grinnel College P.O. Box 805, Grinnel, IA 50112, Contact Professor Jim Swartz at swartz@ac.grin.edu and call him at (515) 269-3006 or fax him at (515) 269-4285.
  
  

Hertz Foundation Fellowships Available

Applications and information on how to apply for the 1997-98 Graduate Fellowships in the Applied Physical Sciences from the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation. High previous scholastic performance is expected of all applicants (GPA of at least 3.75 out of 4.00) but outstanding achievement in scientific or technological areas will also be noted. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. Please contact: the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, Box 5032, Livermore, CA 94551-5032, http://ww.hertzfndn.org or contact Ms. Jackie Sciacca at the Graduate Education Office, Room 3-136A, at extension, 3-1959. Applications must be completed by October 18.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Postdoctoral Fellowship Massachusetts Instiutute of Technology Media Laboratory Fellow to carry out research in a new program on flat panel displays. Expertise in color chemistry and polymer chemistry as it relates to microencapsulation and/or electrostatics in chemical and molecular systems required. Please send CV and cover letter to: Professor Joseph Jacobson, c/o Betty Lou McClanahan M.I.T.Room E15-482 -20 Ames Street Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. MIT is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action employer and encourages applications from minorities and women.
  
  
• University of Rochester, Rochester, New York: Physical Chemist/Optical Physicist at the NSF Center for Photoinduced Charge Transfer Center. One year position with possible extension to a second year. Must be familiar with a wide variety of spectroscopic techniques. To apply send a c.v. and arranged for at least two letters of recommendation to be sent to: Professor Lewis Rothberg, Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, e-mail: LJR@chem.rochester.edu
  
  
• The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL: The postdoctoral position is funded by a company that is interested in the synthesis of novel group 4 metallocene complexes that will be used as catalysis for the polymerization of &-olefins.The position requires someone with the ability to synthesize and handle air-sensitive complexes and will also involve the design and synthesis of Cp type ligands. The position is for two years including spending 3-6 months in the industrial laboratory doing catalyst testing and polymer characterization. Please send a CV, three letters of recommendation and contact Professor James M. Boncella directly by e-mail at boncella@chem.ufl.edu or call him at (352) 392-9512.
  
  
• AWU Postdoctoral Fellowship at Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: An opening exists in Ion Exchange Waste Pretreatment. The field is preparatory scale ion exchange processing and this positions requires a Ph.D. and background in preparatory scale ion exchange processes, separations, or radioanalytical chemistry. Knowledge of chemical engineering and computer simulations of the ion exchange process will be beneficial. Prior experience with radioactive solutions will also be valuable but not required. The successful candidate will assist with preparing experimental procedures, assembling experimental equipment, wet chemical sampling, dilution, and analysis, waste disposal, evaluation of data and report generation. Send inquiries and resume to: AWU, NW, Att: Postgraduate Programs -9605, 723 The Parkway, Suite 100, Richland, WA 99352. (509) 946-3800/3819 Phone/Fax. Info@nw.awu.org is the e-mail address
  
  
• California Institute of Technology: Pasadena, CA: The Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar appointments in the various fields of interest to the Division. The postdoctoral appointments may be open in the areas of chemical biology, chemical physics, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, theoretical chemistry, electrochemical chemistry and structural chemistry. Research opportunities in chemical engineering include atmospheric chemistry, chemical reaction engineering, biochemical engineering, fluid mechanics and transport phenomena, catalysis and surface chemistry.
  
  
• The Medical Foundation: Charles A. King Trust: Boston, MA; The Postdoctoral Research Fellowsh Program are open for applicants for July 1, 1997, submission deadline is October 18, 1996. The fellowships are limited to scientists holding a Ph.D. who have had at least two, but no more than seven years of full-time postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. The Medical Foundation and Charles A. King fellowships are designated for individuals who can substantiate their need for additional training and research experience in order to become competitive for research positions. The are not for the purpose of providing interim salary support for postdoctoral scientists who have completed their advanced training and consequently, are qualified to compete for academic positions and research grants. This must also be verified and supported by the candidate's sponsor. Please contact the Medical Foundation at 95 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, 451-0049, fax is 451-0062.
  
  
• Department of the Air Force, Phillips Laboratory, Hanscom AFB, MA: A position exists in molecular dynamics in the Optical Environment Division of the USAF Phillips Lab, research funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Please contact Steven Miller, PL/GPOS, 29 Randolph Road, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-3010 phone is (617) 377-2807 or fax (617) 377-8900 or e-mail: miller@plh.af.mil
  
  
• MIT Industrial Performance Center: Offering a limited number of doctoral fellowships January 1997 for students in any discipline who are pursuing research towards a Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree in fields related to the mission of the Industrial Performance Center, The Center encourages students to develop proposals related to the following topics: Technology and the Amiercan Worker; Measuring Industrial Performance; New Approaches to Organizational Integration (e.g. in design, product development, supplier relations, etc.); Globalization and the Location of Core Productive Functions and the University-Industry R&D Relationship. More details are available from Anita Kafka at 253-7522, the deadline for proposal submission is September 27.
  
  

Faculty Positions

• The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee: seeks a physical chemist. Preference will be given to candidates working in laser spectroscopy with an emphasis on surface processes. The faculty position will be opened at the beginning of fall 1997 at the assistant professor position. To be considered send a c.v. with a research plan, an outline of teaching philosophy and three letters of recommendation to Professor J.M. Cook, Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Milwaukee, WI 53201. Fax: (414) 229-5530 by October 25th.
  
  
• The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Ct: looking for candidates for an assistant professor position with a doctorate in a related area and teach graduate courses in Polymer Science/Engineering and also have an appointment in a classical department such as Physics, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and teach some undergraduate/graduate courses. Research talents of special interest to the program include polymer morphology, spectroscopies, and microscopy. In addition, the candidate will be expected to develop funding and attract graduate students, leading to the development of a nationally recognized research program. Vita, a list of references and supporting materials should be sent to: Polymer Search Committee, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 North Road, Storrs, CT 06269-316. Search number 96A289
  
  
• Penn State, University Park, PA: has positions for organic chemists who explore either mainstream or non-traditional research areas at the frontiers of the discipline. Application packages should include a current CV and a brief statement of research interests and should be sent to: Search Committee, Chemistry Department, Box K, The Pennsylvania State University, 152 Davey Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802.
  
  
• The University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland: Seeks an outstanding scientist to accept a post in the area of homogeneous catalysis, carrying with it funding for two postgraduate students and some start-up funds. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous and independent research program in the general area of homogeneous catalysis. Informal inquiries should be made to Professor C. A. Vincent, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY169ST. Telephone is 1334-463804; Fax is 1334463808; e-mail is cav@st-and.ac.uk or to Professor D. J. Cole-Hamilton, same address and fax: Tel: 1334-463805 e-mail: djc@st-and.ac.uk Application forms are available from the Director of Personnel Services, College Gate, North Street, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AY. Please reference ML52/ACHO
  
  
• Stanford University, Stanford, CA: Two assistant professor positions are open in the areas of organic and physical chemistry. Both begin September of 1997 and interested candidates should send a current cv, publication list, brief research statement (three pages or less) to either: Chairman 1996 Organic Chemistry Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, Stanford, CA, 94305-5080, or to: Chairman 1996 Physical Chemistry Search, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 943205-5080 by October 15th. Also, please send three letters of recommendation along.
  
  
• Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina: A one-year appointment is available as a Visiting Lecturer or Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry to teach physical chemistry and chemistry for nonscience majors (with laboratory). This appointment will be only the academic year 1996-97 but the successful applicant may apply for a tenure-track opening in physical chemistry beginning the Fall of 1997. A person with a Ph.D. in physical chemistry is preferable, but a candidate with several years of graduate education in physical chemistry will be considered. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. As soon as possible, applicants should send a resume, description of teaching interests and experience, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and names and addresses of three references to: Dr. Felix A. Carroll, Chair, Department of Chemistry, Davidson College, P.O. Box 1749, Davidson, North Carolina 28036. For more information, call (704) 892-2306 or send e-mail to fecaroll@davidson.edu.
  
  
• The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa: seeks outstanding applicants for tenure-track faculty appointments in Chemistry (rank open) to begin in August of 1997. Priority will be given to applicants with research interests in materials chemistry-synthesis, characterization properties and function - of main group materials, organic polymers or biopolymers and solid state materials including semiconductors and high-temperature superconductors; the interface area of chemistry and bioactive molecules, molecular recognition, and biomacromolecular structure and function; and computational chemistry including calculations, quantum chemistry of large molecules and molecular modeling. Applicants should submit a resume, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a brief summary of research plans to: Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294. Evaluation of applicants will begin October 1, 1996. Phone (319) 335-1350 or fax (315) 335-1270.
  
  

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